In the forests of the Indian subcontinent, trees are said to “walk” in extraordinary ways. Banyan trees, which are especially sacred in Hinduism, expand the area they cover thanks to the spread of their roots, which grow their own branches. These highly flexible roots can “creep,” allowing them to reposition for optimum sunlight and nutrients, making them appear as if they are walking.
Thanks to this ability, these trees are considered the largest trees in the world in terms of the area they can individually cover. When you look at a Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) you may think you are looking at a whole forest. But what you will see is (probably) just one giant organism. In fact, the largest example, known as the Grand Banyan, covers 1,347 square meters. This huge specimen is located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden in Kolkata.
Banyan trees, also known as “strangler figs,” grow from seeds that land on other trees and then send them down to their roots, suffocating them. After the host tree dies, the banyan begins to spread its characteristic roots, which resemble other trees and have branches of their own.
Although the movements of animals are quite fast, the gait of these trees is slow. They respond to their environment and adapt to the ecosystem as they move across the forest floor at a speed largely imperceptible to humans. These trees can grow and reach ages ranging from 250-500 years.
Beyond its impressive biological peripatetic activities, the tree is also symbolically important. In India, this tree is also called “Vata-vriksha” and is associated with Yama, the god of death. For this reason, the tree is grown near crematoriums in some villages.
According to Hinduism, Krishna delivered the sacred Bhagavad Gita sermon while standing under a banyan tree. The Hindu cosmic “world tree” also depicts an upside-down banyan tree with roots in heaven and extending towards Earth.
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